Sergeant Major Michael P. Foley was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on 9 December 1978. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 17, 2002 and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA, for recruit training. Upon completing training at MCRD, he reported to Camp Pendleton for Marine Combat Training. On February 17, he reported to Camp Johnson for training as a 3521 Motor Transport Automotive Technician.
In August of 2003, Lance Corporal Foley reported to Okinawa, Japan, for duty with Combat Assault Battalion, where he performed his duties as a Motor Transport Automotive Technician. He deployed with the 31st MEU to the Asian Pacific.
In December 2004, Corporal Foley reported to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, for duties as a Motor Transport Automotive Technician. During this tour, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, in Oct of 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In September of 2006, Sergeant Foley reported to the School of Infantry East where he began his duties as a Marine Combat Instructor. In 2008, while serving as a combat instructor, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In December of 2010, Staff Sergeant Foley reported to 2d Maintenance Battalion. While with Maintenance Battalion, Staff Sergeant Foley deployed with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When Staff Sergeant Foley returned, he was assigned as the Maintenance Chief for 2nd Maintenance BN Motor Transport Maintenance Company.
In August of 2011, Staff Sergeant Foley reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he performed his duties as the Motor Transport Maintenance Chief for the Motor Transport Operations School house. In September of 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In June of 2014, Gunnery Sergeant Foley reported to Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, where he performed his duties as Truck Company Motor Transport Maintenance Chief. In January of 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Foley reported to 3rd Battalion, 2d Marines, where he served as the Motor Transport Chief until December of 2017 when he was assigned to be the Headquarters Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and reported in June of the same year to 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, where he carried out his duties as the Headquarters Company Inspector Instructor First Sergeant. In 2020, he received orders to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance where he served as the Alpha Company First Sergeant and deployed in support of 3rd Battalion 6th Marines to Norway.
In December of 2022, First Sergeant Foley was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and received orders to 2d Battalion, 6th Marines where he serves today.
Sergeant Major Foley's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 4 gold stars in lieu of 5th award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 Gold Stars in Lieu of 4th award, and a Combat Action Ribbon. Sergeant Major Foley has been married to his wife Elisa Foley for 18 years and together they have two children, Ireland and Isabelle.